Why do I need a Saris Bike Beam?

Question

Can't I just use some rope?

Answer 1

A Bike Beam is used to substitute for the top tube so a full suspension or womens bike can be SAFELY placed on the rack. They tend to be pretty expensive, don't they?

The key word here is SAFELY. A rope simply won't take the punishment that the Beam will and your bike may end up being dragged down the road or come loose from the rack altogether.

So, if your bike is not worth much more to you than the cost of a Beam, go ahead with the rope... but there will be incidental costs associated with doing it... like bodywork on your car and the car that your newly liberated bike hits, a new bike, and perhaps severe lacerations from hitting yourself with a frying pan for trying to get out the "cheap way".

If yours is a womens bike and not a full suspension model, simply turn the bike upside down and hang it from the rack by the wheels. I've seen this work on some bike racks..